I am somewhat confused here. I asked a similar question with regard to B & I and Sealink and the cartel arrangement between them, and the Minister said he had not any responsibility in that matter, that it was a matter for the companies themselves. I cannot reconcile that comment with some of those he has just made. Could we establish exactly what are his responsibilities in relation to the B & I?

My responsibilities are simple; it is a State-owned company. The Deputy will realise that Sealink is a privately-owned company and, consequently, one in which I have no say with regard to whatever arrangements they may make, even those with a company wholly-owned by the State. I cannot talk about Sealink. It is a private company that takes its own business decisions and makes it own arrangements.

I accept the Minister's comments in regard to Sealink but not in regard to the B & I, a major partner in this deal. Surely the Minister can comment on the B & I end of this cartel agreement in regard to capacity sharing and price fixing?

If the Deputy puts down a question to that effect I will answer him fully. The arrangement at present is the sharing of the profits on the southern corridor and sharing of revenue on the Dún Laoghaire-Holyhead and Dublin-Liverpool routes.